AUTHORS, SOCIETY OF. The Incorporated Society of Authors, Playwrights and Composers, founded in 1884, is a Brit ish institution which, embracing all authors as the term "author" is defined in the British Copyright Act, guards them in the pro tection of their property, and advises them of the various markets at their disposal. The details of a contract for publishing a book, for producing a play, for the sale of a serial, or for the purposes of cinema production, are exceedingly technical ; the members are advised on all these things. The society also keeps itself in formed as to the cost of production of books, etc., as this point is constantly arising. Of the various literary and dramatic agen cies, the society has intimate knowledge, and advises upon their status and value. With representatives all over the world, the society can protect its members in respect of infringements of copyright. In legal disputes, the society takes action in suitable cases at its own expense. This alone costs the society between f and £2,000 a year. In 1928 the society had 4,000 members.
In the United States the official national organization of authors, artists, dramatists and screen writers is known as The Authors' League of America, Inc. It was organized in 1912, to procure ade quate copyright legislation, both international and domestic ; ,to protect the rights and property of all those who create copy rightable material of whatever kind or nature ; to advise and assist all such in the disposal of their productions and to obtain for them prompt remuneration therefor; to disseminate information among them as to their rights and remedies. Any author of any kind, dramatist, artist, composer or scenario writer of recognized posi tion in his or her profession may be admitted to the league upon proper application duly approved by the membership committee. The term "recognized position in his or her profession" is intended to include all who regularly earn money in, and make a business of, such profession.